Whats the deal with jazz basses?

[slappa_dat_bass]

Why a Jazz? Why not...... sure lots of other axes sound or looks just as good (or better) but you won't find another that's as versatile and reliable. I miss my MIM jazz :'( heck, this thread has got me kicking myself for swapping it to an active offset alvarez years ago. I was 17 and stupid, and to me it was just another fender. 15 years later I realize my mistake lol.

[jphovercraft]

Someday I'll add a Jazz to my stable, but it will HAVE to have a Precision neck. The Jazz is just too narrow at the nut for my comfort.

[BawanaRik]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Another troll thread. If you don't like them, don't play them, no need to bash them here...

Interesting post. My policy is that if it's not costing me money it's none of my business. I have noticed that some folks are constantly jockying for position.

I would like to put forth a live and let live suggestion. And yes I have a Jazz Bass. It stays in the closet since it become a little too valuable to walk around with. And despite starting off on I found that other basses fit my claw and general being better. But many have done quite well with a JB.

[Kmonk]

Everybody has their own opinion. Some people love jazz basses and some don't. I like the way they feel, sound and play. The quality is excellent and they can cover a variety of tones. I use my jazz a lot more often than my Precision.

[Mark4]

Wide range of tones, comfortable, appearance fits with most genres, durable, and easily customized.

[Josh Thatguy]

What makes a Jazz special?

GEDDY LEE, his fingers, and his incomprehensibly genius musical brain.

[Darren Low]

I like the sound.

[chadds]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Shouldn't it be we musicians?

Them too.

[phillybass101]

To me a well set up JB is one of the most comfortable basses to slap on. and when slapped the E string sounds awesome. JB slap sound is one of the industry standard slap sounds. Same goes for playing funk fingerstyle with a low mid bump.

[VintageBoutique]

For bassists that normally have to play shorter scales, the Fender Jazz is the exception with it's tapered neck.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

One thing, I have owned a bunch of them, MIA, MIJ, MIM and I'd say:

There is "jazz bass" and there is "JAZZ BASS"

It's not always an equation expensive instrument = good instrument either. My Squier 70's VM sounds badass.
My personal rule of thumbs: If it's still feels fat and supportive when favoring the bridge pickup, it's a good one. If it is weak and thin. No good.

[bkbirge]

Fender Jazz bass...




Jazz bass...

[Old Fart]

Originally Posted by thisSNsucks

I find it funny that a lot of people on here say Jazz Basses sound mid-rangey. I think with both pickups full on, the tone is kind of scooped in the mids.

To me P-basses have more mid range bark, while Jazz basses have more highs and lows.

True. On an oscilloscope, the Precision delivers more mids. The Jazz has a fatter bottom end.